Stephen A. Smith Rips into Angel Reese: “Grow Up or Get Out of the Way” — The WNBA’s New Villain Unveiled

It was the moment millions had been waiting for—and when it finally came, Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back. On a blistering segment of First Take, the veteran commentator unleashed on Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky forward who has become one of the most polarizing figures in the WNBA. Smith didn’t mince words, calling her “a bully in victim’s clothing” and accusing her of taunting fellow rookie Caitlin Clark, playing dirty, and weaponizing social media for attention instead of earning respect on the court.

A Blistering Take on First Take

The controversy began to unfold during Tuesday morning’s First Take broadcast when Smith addressed the escalating tension between Reese and Clark. What started as a rivalry between two college stars has quickly turned into a massive media firestorm, with Reese now being painted as the villain in the league’s biggest storyline. Smith, unafraid of controversy, went after Reese’s actions and her growing reputation for trash talk and post-whistle antics.

“Let me tell you something,” Smith began, staring directly into the camera. “You’re not a victim, Angel. You’re not being targeted. You’re doing the targeting. And people are tired of it.”

The words were harsh, and the intent was clear—Smith believed Reese was trying to craft a narrative around herself that painted her as unfairly targeted, when in reality, she had been the one instigating the drama. In the world of professional sports, Smith pointed out, there’s no room for the kind of antics that Reese has been displaying.

The Trigger: Reese’s Latest Behavior

The catalyst for Smith’s tirade was Reese’s actions during a recent game between the Chicago Sky and the Indiana Fever, a game that marked Caitlin Clark’s return from injury. During this matchup, Reese was seen mocking Clark’s famous three-point gesture and even mimicking her mannerisms in sarcastic fashion. As the game got out of hand, Reese was also caught failing to help Clark up after a hard foul and shouting toward the Fever bench after scoring in garbage time.

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Clark, however, maintained her composure, finishing the game with 23 points and 10 assists. Reese, on the other hand, found herself benched for much of the fourth quarter, her behavior clearly not sitting well with coach and teammates alike.

“Don’t get me wrong,” Smith continued, “We gave her grace. We gave her hype. But she’s burning it with every childish stunt she pulls. That’s not leadership. That’s a tantrum.”

Social Media Explodes: “Stephen A. Ended the Debate”

As expected, the reaction to Smith’s comments was swift, and it went viral almost immediately. By mid-afternoon, hashtags like #StephenASaidIt and #NotAVictim were trending across social media platforms, with over 12 million views across TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

TikTok creators quickly paired Smith’s powerful statements with footage of Reese’s actions during the game, further fueling the conversation. Fans rallied around Smith’s words, with many applauding his unapologetic take.

One user wrote, “Finally, someone said it. We’re tired of the drama overshadowing the basketball.” Another echoed, “Reese is not a victim. She’s acting like the villain, and now it’s coming back to bite her.”

Even some anonymous WNBA players reportedly expressed their approval of Smith’s take. “This drama is unnecessary. The game should be about the basketball, not this nonsense,” one veteran texted a reporter.

The Larger Issue: Is Angel Reese Becoming the Villain?

What initially began as a friendly rivalry between two of the WNBA’s rising stars is now transforming into something much darker, with Angel Reese increasingly painted as the league’s “heel”—the villain—especially when compared to Clark’s stoic and workmanlike approach.

Some argue that the negative perception of Reese is unfair, that she is simply playing the game in the way she knows how. Others, however, believe she has leaned into the villain role—perhaps too much—and is now reaping the consequences.

“You don’t get to act like the villain and then cry when the crowd boos,” said Fox Sports’ Jason McIntyre. “You chose the role. Play it—or change it.”

Caitlin Clark’s Response: Silence and Execution

In stark contrast to Reese’s antics, Caitlin Clark has remained silent throughout the controversy. Instead of engaging with the media frenzy, Clark focused on her team’s performance and improvement.

“We’re getting better. We’re clicking. That’s what matters,” Clark said after the game, once again showing the composure that has become a hallmark of her public persona.

Fans and analysts alike praised Clark for her unflappable demeanor, with one Reddit user writing, “That’s why she’s the star. She takes the hits—and hands out buckets.”

Career Trouble Ahead for Reese?

Although it’s still early in her WNBA career, Angel Reese’s behavior may already be starting to impact her professional trajectory. Her performance on the court has been lackluster compared to her rookie counterpart, Caitlin Clark. Reese has yet to record a double-double in the WNBA, and she’s averaging just 7.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

Her minutes have also declined in three of the last four games, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike about her ability to adapt to the league. Chicago fans have begun to express their frustration on social media, with many questioning Reese’s focus and commitment to the team.

Meanwhile, Kamilla Cardoso, the Sky’s other rookie, has been quietly outplaying Reese in almost every statistical category.

“Reese came in as the face of the franchise,” one scout said. “Now she’s the second storyline on her own team.”

Stephen A.’s Final Word: “Grow Up or Get Out of the Way”

Smith’s most chilling statement came at the end of his rant, where he made it clear what Reese needed to do if she wanted to remain a part of the WNBA’s future: “There’s a lane for you, Angel. You’ve got talent, charisma, presence. But this ain’t social media. This is the pros. And if you can’t grow up—then get out of the way for those who can.”

The League’s Response: Silence and Internal Concerns

As of now, the WNBA has yet to release an official statement regarding Reese’s actions or Smith’s comments. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has remained silent, perhaps fearing the backlash from Reese’s supporters. However, sources within the league suggest that there are growing concerns about the Clark-Reese rivalry becoming toxic, especially as it continues to dominate headlines.

“Inside the league, there’s talk of this becoming a PR powder keg,” one source revealed. “There’s already concern about how this rivalry is being handled, and whether or not it’s helping the league or hurting it.”

Cultural Divide: The Backlash

Not everyone is cheering for Smith’s comments. Progressive voices, including Jemele Hill and Angela Rye, have criticized Smith for “piling on” a young Black woman while giving white players like Caitlin Clark a pass for similar intensity. Hill specifically pointed out, “Where was this energy for Diana Taurasi?”

But others argue that the issue isn’t race—it’s consistency. “Reese isn’t being punished for being loud,” tweeted Clay Travis. “She’s being called out for being reckless and petty.”

Final Thought: The WNBA’s Future at a Crossroads

As Angel Reese grapples with the consequences of her actions, the WNBA finds itself at a crossroads. The league is riding high on the success of Caitlin Clark, whose presence has elevated the WNBA to new heights. But if Reese’s behavior continues to overshadow the game, it risks derailing the league’s progress.

Patrick Bet-David’s viral takedown wasn’t just powerful because of its intensity—it was because he said what many people are thinking but are too afraid to say. He called out the hypocrisy, the double standards, and the behavior that threatens to undermine the future of women’s basketball.

The message is clear: The WNBA needs to take a hard look at its culture and its players. If it wants to be seen as a legitimate league, it has to move beyond petty rivalries and focus on the game. For now, Caitlin Clark is the league’s star—but if Reese and others don’t change their approach, the WNBA might find itself in a battle for its own future.